10 Ways You can Resolve to be Ready

This year, hurricanes, wildfires and a pandemic brought
devastation across the nation. These incidents remind us why it’s
important to be ready for anything.

Taking steps to plan for the unexpected can mean you are more
equipped to protect yourself and others if a disaster happens.
Resolve to be ready with these ten tips. �

1. Create an emergency
   plan.  Know your evacuation routes
   and have place designated for your family to meet in case you get
   separated.

2. Make an emergency
   kit. These portable kits should
   include food, water, medications, prescriptions, cash, radios,
   flashlights and other necessities. It is also recommended that you
   have hand sanitizer and face masks included in your kit, to help
   prevent the spread of coronavirus. Keep an emergency kit in your car in case
   you are stranded.

3. Keep your pantry stocked. Food is often in
   short supply during disaster events. It is important to have
   several days’ worth of food safely stored in your home to support
   yourself and your family. Don’t forget to include food for your
   pets!  

4. Get to know your community. Learn about
   disaster planning in your community and what resources are
   available to you in case of emergency. Join a local Community Emergency Response
   Team (CERT) program to get trained on basic disaster response
   skills, such as fire safety, light search and rescue, team
   organization and disaster medical operations.  

5. Sign-up for emergency
   alerts for your area It’s important
   to know how to get information when a disaster happens. Local radio
   and television stations provide information on evacuation routes,
   temporary shelters and other emergency procedures.  
6. Check your insurance policy. Understand what
   your policy covers in case of major disasters. Contact your
   insurance company for detailed instructions on what you will need
   to make a claim for insurance. Learn more about flood insurance
   what is available to you under the National Flood Insurance Program.
    
7. Take Inventory of what you own. Snap pictures
   of your property and make an inventory for insurance purposes.
   Having a clear record of what you own will make the insurance
   process easier.  
8. Protect your valuables. Store precious
   belongings, such as photographs or heirlooms, in damage proof
   containers so you don’t risk losing them permanently. Also keep
   copies of your critical documents safe and secure in case of
   emergency.  
9. Plan for your pet. Build a separate emergency kit for your pets.  This
   can include creating a list of shelters that accept pets if you
   need to evacuate the area.  
10. Budget for a disaster.  Financially prepare
    for the New Year. Find out how with the Emergency Financial
    First Aid Kit. Start to grow an emergency fund today so you can
    cover any unexpected changes in your day-to-day life.

Visit Ready.gov/resolution for
more information on how you can resolve to be ready.